The Court of Appeal in Abuja has issued a directive mandating former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to present himself for arraignment following an ongoing legal conflict with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello has been entangled in a prolonged legal battle with the EFCC over his refusal to surrender for arraignment, prompting the anti-corruption agency to issue a warrant for his arrest. Despite multiple court orders, Bello has yet to comply, leading the EFCC to declare him wanted.
In a letter submitted by his legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Abdulwahab Mohammed, Bello contended that since the alleged offenses were committed during his tenure as governor, the case should be heard in Kogi State. He asserted that the Lokoja Division of the High Court held the proper jurisdiction to handle the matter.
However, in a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Ken Amadi on Tuesday, the Court of Appeal ruled against Bello’s jurisdictional claim and ordered him to halt any further legal steps until he surrenders for arraignment. The ruling came after the EFCC appealed a February 2024 judgment by Justice Isah Abdullahi Jamil of the Kogi State High Court, which had favored Bello in a fundamental rights case.
The Court of Appeal found merit in the EFCC’s appeal, which was presented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Jibrin Okutepa. It criticized the lower court’s decision, calling it “scandalous” for attempting to shield Bello from facing his criminal charges under the guise of protecting his fundamental rights.
In its verdict, the appellate court noted that the trial judge had the charge, FRN vs. Ali Bello & Anor (FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022), before him, yet chose to release Bello. The court emphasized that no court can obstruct law enforcement agencies from executing their statutory duties.
Upholding the EFCC’s arguments, the Court ruled that Bello must appear for his arraignment in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/550/2022 before taking any further legal actions, in accordance with Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
This ruling reinforces the EFCC’s pursuit of justice, compelling the former governor to face his charges.
